Opening remarks by S for S at joint press conference on measures to combat cross-boundary parallel trading and help ensure stable supply of infant formula
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     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, at a joint press conference today (February 1) on measures to combat cross-boundary parallel trading and help ensure a stable supply of infant formula:

     The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) has mounted joint operations with its Mainland counterparts since September last year to combat parallel trading activities. In view of the latest situation, the C&ED and their Shenzhen counterparts have, with immediate effect, further strengthened enforcement efforts by launching a joint anti-smuggling operation against daily commodities, especially baby milk formula, which include monitoring and notifying on parallel trade activities at the land boundary; enhancing intelligence exchange; and strengthening Customs checks in that they (Shenzhen Customs) will inspect daily commodities, especially baby milk formula. Inspection will be conducted on all passengers who are, or suspected to be, carrying baby formula at all boundary control points between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. They (Shenzhen Customs) will also implement a management information system to keep track of passengers' arrival records on a single day and within a short period of time so as to support Shenzhen Customs' strict control on passengers bringing in self-used commodities, especially baby milk formula. At the same time, Hong Kong law enforcement agencies including Immigration, Police and Customs have continued the "Windsand" and "Realpower" operations which have resulted in the arrest of about 600 parallel traders. This kind of actions will continue.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)

Ends/Friday, February 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:28

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